Belgrade is witnessing significant protests as Serbia experiences widespread demonstrations against President Aleksandar Vučić government. These protests have now entered their fourth month and are becoming some of the largest in recent memory.
The protests, expected to involve hundreds of thousands, have become one of Serbia’s biggest movements since Slobodan Milošević’s fall in 2000. Students and citizens from across the country have gathered in Belgrade to join the protests.
Tensions in central Belgrade
In central Belgrade, tractors requisitioned by the government are parked around the Presidential Palace, creating a fortified appearance. Nearby, a city park has been occupied for days by people claiming to be students. They oppose the student-led protests. There are also veterans of the Yugoslav wars in the area.
Analyst Vuk Vuksanović from the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy warned that the government may rally its loyal supporters against the protesters. He also noted concerns over the level of control the government has over the police and military.
Vučić Government responses and security measures
The Serbian government introduced a significant pay rise for employees of the Interior Ministry to secure the loyalty of security forces. President Vučić, in power since 2014, has also made threats. In an interview on 11 March, he warned that those engaging in violence would face legal consequences.
Despite these warnings, the student-led protests continue. They began after the tragic roof collapse at Novi Sad’s railway station on 1 November, which killed 15 people. These protests have expanded, with many citizens calling out government corruption.
Widespread public discontent and protest demands
Student representative Aleksa Nikolić from the University of Novi Sad claimed President Vučić spread false claims on social media. He alleged that students were attacking the police. Nikolić said these false accusations would not stop the protests. The students are demanding transparency and accountability.
In response to the protests, Vučić dismissed Prime Minister Miloš Vučević in January after a student was assaulted by members of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party. Since then, Vučić has struggled to regain control. The protests remain leaderless and have distanced themselves from mainstream political parties.
Philosopher Igor Štiks noted that the key issue now is turning public anger into a political strategy. He suggested forming a transitional technical government to organise free elections.
International support for Vučić
Despite facing opposition at home, President Vučić enjoys support from major European capitals like Berlin and Paris, as well as from EU institutions. However, the Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament has backed the student protests.
Vučić also maintains strong ties with the United States. Donald Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., recently visited Belgrade. This visit follows an agreement with an investment firm led by Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to build a hotel on the site of the former Yugoslav People’s Army headquarters, damaged during the 1999 NATO bombing of Belgrade.
